The Right Destination

Who wants to play in the snow?

On a trip to Santiago and surroundings during the winter, the snow is very close, the vineyards too, and there is plenty for a family to do

By Jaime Borquez

Chile has been a very popular destination for Brazilians for years. After the dark clouds of the pandemic, the capital Santiago is now opening its doors with the hope of receiving the joy that families bring with every trip. Yes: Brazilians are very popular in Chile; they like our uncomplicated manner, our tudo bom e tudo bem. That’s why Chileans like to show their affection and their country’s charms.

Santiago and its surroundings are the perfect destinations for traveling with children. The range of possibilities is endless and varied for families.

In general, suggesting that children visit a museum is never popular – however, the Museo Interactivo Mirador de Santiago (MIM) is guaranteed to win a vote of approval. Here the kids can have a vision of science in a playful and fun way. Subjects such as math, astronomy, communications, cinema, the Earth, light, energy, robotics and many others are not only explained in individual rooms, but the children can also participate and interact in the different areas, learning as well as having fun.

In Santiago, as in São Paulo, there is a KidZania that can also be a good entertainment option for youngsters. In the so-called “education/entertainment” areas, they can try out more than 80 professions, learning directly from the experience of being, for example, a doctor, actor, policeman, car mechanic, flight attendant, firefighter, lawyer, pharmacist and a wide range of trades and professions. You can spend a good afternoon there with no worries.

Ok: enough of closed places, let’s go out and breathe the air of the city, those that arrive from the Andes mountain range, with a nice chill. The Bicentenário has playgrounds for all ages, a green area for picnics and an open-air gourmet restaurant, the Mestizo. Santiago has several hills nearby, all of which are worth a visit and, of course, a family walk without too much effort. We start with the smallest of them all and the most central – Santa Lucia. History tells that, on its peak, the Spaniard Dom Pedro de Valdivia initiated the foundation of Santiago. The entrance, the stairs, the fountain, its gardens, squares and the path that lead to the summit are well worth visiting and there are many photo opportunities. For a more complete view and a pleasant walk, one option is to go to Cerro San Cristobal, where there is plenty to do with the family. The city zoo, for example. Or the funicular railway; it goes straight up the slopes of the hill to the top and children love it. This cable car is a national monument and dates from 1924, but don’t worry, it’s very safe and the trip is worth it, especially for the spectacular panoramas of the city. Right on top of the hill is the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, who protects and prays for the people of Santiago.

Speaking of views, fifteen minutes away is the Costanera Center, the tallest building in Chile, which is a national pride. It is 297 meters high and has 62 floors. There is a modern shopping center and an observation deck at the top of the tower from where you have the best and most spectacular views of the capital of Chile.

Santiago can also be your children’s best chance to have contact with snow for the first time. Pack your clothes for the cold and don’t miss a visit to the ski centers that are less than two hours from the city center (yes: really close!).

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There is Farellones, Valle Nevado and Portillo, just make your choice and go and play with your kids. Farellones Park offers a variety of options for youngsters, canopy or zip lines, a tubing circuit, climbing wall and sleigh rides. Valle Nevado and Portillo has ski lessons and good restaurants. Whether skiing, learning to snowboard or simply having a snowball fight, this will be a trip for the whole family to remember, for sure. You can get there by rental car, although the road is very winding and can be icy, or take a bus. Details are at the end of this article.

Before returning to Brazil, leave the city and visit Viña Vik, the most spectacular and chic vineyard in the country. It is located near the city of Santa Cruz, 160 km south of Santiago, in the Millahue valley. Everything we say about the vineyard sounds insufficient: you have to visit and spend the night there. The wines? One is better than the other – although the focus is on the development of quality labels. The facilities? Up to the standard of a James Bond movie. The rooms? Designed, one by one, by local artists. The Pavillion restaurant? Unmissable. For the parents, there is a well-respected spa and heated pool. For the family, the opportunity to take a fun (and tasty) course of how to make empanadas together. Vik also offers horseback riding, lunches in the middle of the fields and mountain biking among the vineyards.